Anti-microbial, disinfection chamber respiratory face mask/shield

ABSTRACT

A self-sterilizing, face mask, respirator, open or enclosed face shield employs germicidal, far UV-C light safe for direct human exposure, mitigating risk of acquisition or transmission of respiratory pathogens, such as COVID 19. Device attachments or special lenses direct far UV-C light into the respiratory chamber and/or reservoir areas of infection including nasal, oropharyngeal or ocular areas to reduce or eliminate pathogens, serving also as a treatment modality. In a preferred embodiment the face shield has a removable front section, which can be exchanged or replaced with sections that include various functional attributes while maintaining germicidal protections and avoiding need to remove PPE during these activities including consumption of liquids, oral medications or food, as well as providing antimicrobial absorbent sneeze or cough guard or rhinorrhea secretion absorption, or a communication device to address communication deficiencies caused by respiratory protection barriers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/994,523, filed Mar. 25, 2020 and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 63/143,677, filed Jan. 29, 2021, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to antimicrobial face masks/face shieldsto prevent spread of infectious diseases. The invention has particularutility in connection with personal protective equipment (PPE's) such asface masks and face shields and will be described in connection withsuch utility.

2. Description of Related Art

Surgical masks, respirators and face shields help mitigate the spread ofinfectious diseases including, but not limited to the common cold,influenza, SARS, H1N1 Swine Flu, and most recently, COVID-19, aka“coronavirus” or SARS-COV2. Respirators and masks, including surgicalmasks, and face shields are designed to reduce the spreading of airborneillnesses by providing a physical filter between facial regions whichconnect to the respiratory tract of the user and the user's ambientenvironment. Respirators add additional protection via air filtration ofpathogens. Surgical masks are less effective than respirators, as theyare primarily a barrier to splash and splatter, with modest to minimalprotection to pathogenic aerosols. Respirators can provide a tighterseal around the nose and mouth and better air filtration. Becausesurgical masks are also less effective than respirators at reducing thespread of viral or other microbial infections via aerosolized particles,they can be a risky form of personal protective equipment for healthcare providers dealing with influenza, COVID-19, and for other microbialpandemics. Effective prevention of the spread of airborne illnesses isparticularly important for healthcare providers and first responders,who frequently come into contact with infected and non-infectedpatients. However, protecting members of the general public fromrespiratory pathogens is also important to reduce infectious diseasemorbidity and mortality, as well as hospital and health care duressduring a pandemic. Face shields provide a physical barrier to splatter,but by being open to ambient air around the edges, cannot protectagainst aerosolized virus or small floating droplets. Face shields mustbe enclosed to offer any real protection against respiratory pathogensin the air.

Despite the effectiveness of recently developed COVID vaccines, theflurry of newly identified mutations make it prudent to have otheroptions to help protect the population from respiratory pandemic andreduce the spread of disease, while helping to ease the burden on thehealthcare system. Common masks that are used by non-medicalprofessionals are paper or cloth masks, which are only partiallyeffective at reducing the spread of viral or other pathogen infectionthrough inhalation and exhalation. Paper masks are not regulated andwhile they have been established as more effective than no barrier,their efficacy is variable, with only 30-50% barrier efficacy in someinstances, which may provide users a false sense of security leadingthem to acquire or spread infection. These unregulated masks typicallyare not multi-ply and do not provide significant respiratory protectionfrom aerosolized pathogens. Paper masks are mainly useful at preventingthe user from touching the area around their nose and mouth and createsome barrier to droplets. Such common paper and cloth masks aremarginally useful for preventing a patient from contracting infection orfrom preventing an infected patient from spreading infection.Nevertheless, for aerosolized virus, research suggests unregulated masksoffer better protection against viral pathogens than no mask at all.During times of pandemic when personal protective gear may be rationeddue to high demand, the need for a continuous supply of replacementmasks, respirators and face shields places financial and medical strainson the health care system.

Surgical masks are loose-fitting and disposable, and often wrap aroundthe ears to cover just the nose and mouth. Most surgical masks aremulti-ply, providing better filtration than cloth or homemade masks.Some surgical masks have an additional face shield. Surgical masks areregulated, unlike cloth or paper masks, and reduce the risk ofcontracting or spreading infection by filtering out a degree of smallparticles such as viruses. Surgical masks are used by doctors, surgeons,and dentists during medical procedures for maintaining a sterileprocedure in non infectious environments and preventing fluidtransmission between healthcare providers and patients. However, intimes of respiratory pandemic there is still risk of infection transferas these surgical masks have been shown to have reduced efficacyreportedly around 80% of particles for air filtration, which aids inreducing but not completely stopping the spread of viral pathogenseither via exhalation or inhalation. On a routine basis, surgical masksalso serve as a barrier to liquid splashes including saliva. However,surgical masks do not cover eyes to prevent ocular transmission ofaerosolized pathogens. Surgical masks are frequently worn in East Asianculture, including in Japan and Taiwan, to reduce the risk of spreadinginfection and as a sign of social responsibility to alert others thatthe person may be infectious.

Respirators provide further protection against bilateral spread ofinfection—preventing the wearer from being exposed to infection andpreventing an infected person from transmitting infection to others. Themost common respirators are the disposable N95-N100 respirator masks.Respirators under optimal circumstances are designed to be tight-fittingaround the nose and mouth area when adherent to skin, and filter outsmall particles including virus so that inspired air is largely purifiedfrom microbes. Respirators, when perfectly fitting, may filter out95%-100% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. Respirators, inconjunction with other personal protective equipment are highlyeffective at reducing the spread of viral and bacterial pathogens andare commonly used by research and medical professionals. However, thereare inherent limitations of the effectiveness of the masks includingrespirators, for example, when used by wearers who have facial hair, whoexperience perspiration on the face that limits the occlusive fit of themask, or who's facial shape does not allow a perfect or secure fit orwho feel claustrophobic and frequently touch or adjust the mask tobreathe better, potentially contaminating it or reducing efficacy byadmitting non purified air into the respiratory chamber of the mask.Furthermore, even with optimal fit, none of these options providesadequate protection against the force of a sneeze or cough if the weareris infected, where forceful aerosols can permeate all current types ofmasks and respirator barriers. In the case of COVID 19 the virus isextremely small at less than 0.2 microns making an adjunctive means ofanti-microbial protection within the respiratory chamber of a mask orface shield, a desirable goal. Furthermore, currently there are noeffective PPE options to allow wearers to remain protected while theyconsume food or liquid, to communicate unconstrained, to address theirown infection symptoms without removing their own PPE or that mayactually treat them if they become exposed. Improving the antimicrobialmilieu of the breathing chamber inside a face shield will be improvedfirst of all by making it enclosed, and secondly, providing adjunctiveeffective anti-microbial technology. A need remains to overcome thelimitations of the imperfect mask or respirator and to improve theantimicrobial environment of an enclosed face shield type respiratorybarrier while offering a new mode of antimicrobial treatment.

Importantly, some respirators, including the N95 mask, are disposable,in order to eliminate the opportunity for daily contamination whenexposed to infected persons or patients, and to avoid the potentialspread of infection between health care providers or spreading infectionbetween patients via cross contamination. It is assumed respiratorsbecome contaminated when doctors come into contact with infectedpatients, particularly for aerosolized types of infection—or when wornby an infected person. Unfortunately, in the event of a shortage ofpersonal protective equipment, including face masks, respirators andface shields, healthcare providers and first responders are forced toreuse disposable PPE, increasing the likelihood of becoming infectedthemselves and of spreading infection to others. Conventionalrespirators when worn properly by a person infected with viral,bacterial, or fungal pathogens decrease the spread of their droplets bykeeping them trapped in the face cup. However, these devices do nothingto decrease the level of infectious pathogens already present on skin orin viral reservoirs of an infected person's nasal or oral cavities. Infact, face masks on an infected person in some instances may actuallycreate the moist environment that could increase viral replication.

Face shields provide ocular protection that face masks do not. They alsoallow a more social visage of the wearers face during communicationwhich can be more soothing to patients in times of pandemic and allowmore social interaction between members of the public if they opt towear protective gear in public, they can also offer the ability topositively identify a person in situations when this is important(hospitals, clinics, banks or other commerce etc). However, conventionalface shields are not enclosed and do not filter air or protect thewearer from aerosolized pathogens such as COVID 19 aka SARS-COV2.

Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) are generally more effectivethan N95 respirators, utilizing battery operated blowers to blow airthrough filtration cartridges for effective purification against a widevariety of pathogens and particulates and have assigned protectionfactors (APF) of at least 25. These devices offer an enclosedrespirator, and may come with loose fitting headgear such as hoods andhelmets and can be worn with a limited amount of facial hair. Most ofthe PAPR components can be cleaned, disinfected, and re-used and sharedand may offer less breathing resistance compared to N95 masks. However,limitations of use in the healthcare setting include cost, limiteddownward vertical field of view, blower noise and head covering whichimpairs a wearers ability to hear, reduced ability to use a stethoscope,need for replacement batteries, and need for proper disinfection andcleaning after each use or contamination exposure. Such systems despiteefficacy would not be considered readily useable for general public usedue to noise, bulkiness and need for specialized disinfection proceduresafter contamination exposure. Furthermore, the appearance of such headgear in these and other types of protective respirators can be anxietyprovoking to patients or other members of the public. Furthermore, allcurrent masks, respirators and shields constrain communication to somedegree by the inherent unintended acoustic barrier provided by theseforms of PPE which cover the mouth and nose. All current masks,respirators and shields must be removed during consumption of food,drink or medication leaving users exposed during these activities.Currently healthcare workers during pandemic emergencies work many hourswithout food or drink in order to avoid removal of scarce, disposablePPE. Furthermore, none of the masks, respirators or shields assistpersons experiencing rhinorrhea or cough to deal with these issueswithout removal of the PPE, which exposes the user to contaminating theair and people around them A need for a more effective, comfortable,socially useful, visually nonthreatening and personally identifyingmethod of portable respiratory protection from aerosolized pathogensexists.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is known to cause damage and destruction to DNAof microbial pathogens and is effective to sterilize surfaces making ituseful as a topical germicidal method in health care settings such ashospitals and clinics, as well as laboratories, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, and water purification systems, to name a few examples. UV lightis divided into three main wavelength ranges, UV-A (315 nm-400 nm), UV-B(280 nm-315 nm), and UV-C (100 nm-280 nm), all of which have certaingermicidal properties; however, certain wavelengths also are known tohave human cell toxicity. For example, UV light at certain wavelengthscauses damage to eyes and skin including sunburns, and the DNA damageaccrues to human cells as well which ultimately can lead to skin andother cancers. Recently, however, a wavelength subset of UV-C light,known as far UV-C light (207-222 nm) has been shown to kill bacteria,viral and fungal pathogens, but is not absorbed by even the outer layersof the skin or the tears in the human eye obviating the risk of damageto eyes and skin providing the opportunity to utilize the antimicrobialproperties of UV-C light without the dangerous side effects.

Researchers studying the far UV-C phenomenon postulated its benefits asan environmental germicidal agent which could be useful in cleaningpathogens from the air in buildings, for example, by its use in publicbuildings as an overhead antimicrobial light. An additional suggestionby scientists would be its public use in airplanes, where the planecould become sterilized, either periodically throughout the flight, orduring the time between flights. However, far UV-C light has not beenutilized as part of personal protective equipment as a direct sanitizerfor skin or other tissue areas, such as the nose and throat as a meansto directly prevent and even treat infection, where exposure to thelight serves the dual purpose of anti-microbial protection for anuninfected user, as well as a therapeutic modality to reduce viralburden and act as an infection containment device for an infected user.Furthermore, when far UV-C light is used in close proximity to thetarget (face/nose/mouth), ozone free, light sources such as LEDsmanufactured or appropriately attenuated to emit far UV-C light wavescan be used without the toxicity associated with other UV-C wavelengthsoutside this range that are absorbed. Illuminating the region betweenthe inner mask and surface of the skin with far UV-C light is a saferesonant frequency for human tissue. This arises from an inherentcharacteristic of all objects known as “resonant frequency,” which isthe frequency at which an object naturally vibrates. Applicant's maskdevice targets the virus and other pathogens, and the far UV-C shakesapart—the structures by entering the pathogen, injecting energy thatwill damage the pathogen's cellular function so that it will not be ableto grow. Accordingly, the present inventions are a two-factor protectionsystem, the material of the mask creates a filtration barrier and theresonant frequency of far UV-C light destroys any ambient pathogens thatescape through the barrier effectively sterilizing the respiratorychamber. Of note, in the far UV-C light region, human tissue remainsunaffected given the H₂O frequency is outside far UV-C light band offocus for the mask or shield system. By the judicious use of far UV-Cwavelengths of electromagnetic energy, unwanted pathogens are destroyed,mask material faults are overridden, and far UV-C light purified airintake is controlled in such a way as to safely and effectively halt theacquisition or transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. Additionallyfor the wearer who has become infected, the topical application of farUV-C light to infected reservoirs could be anticipated to reduce oreliminate viral burden and either prevent, eradicate or reduce severityof illness.

Earlier applications of UV light in protective masks such as describedin U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,356 to Roth for an antimicrobial protective maskwith UV-C light emitting diodes in the wavelength range of 240-270 nmfor sanitizing air being breathed by the wearer to detoxify respiredair, is specifically designed to avoid direct light exposure to thewearer. This configuration specifically referred to the creation of aseparate “recess” or passageway in its design which creates a shield toavoid UV-C light exposure to the wearer, describing the UV diodes to“pivot away” from the nose and mouth. The apparent intention was tocirculate air through the protective recess or passageway, for thepurpose of antimicrobial air sterilization in such a way as to avoidexposure of the wearer to the toxicity of the UV-C light in the 240-270nm wavelength on their skin. Specifically, UV-C light in the 240-270 nmwavelength would be expected to be injurious to skin, eyes and otherhuman tissues. Roth's mask design reflected this understanding.Specifically, the air would pass through or in front of a lighted recessor ‘duct’ system that circled the nose and mouth—but would not directlyexpose the wearer's skin (or presumably eyes) to the UV-C light.Furthermore, Roth did not design his mask to utilize UV light to targetpotential viral reservoirs, such as nasal passages or the oropharynx, orperi ocular areas for the purpose of reducing viral and bacterialpathogens in these structures—the latter as a therapeutic maneuver, notonly a protective one.

Accordingly, a need exists for a self-sterilizing germicidal face mask,respirator or enclosed face shield to create a respiratory chamber thatnot only protects the wearer from external pathogens, but optionally maybe used to reduce pathogens on the skin and inside the nose andoropharynx or around the ocular areas of the wearer as both protectiveand a treatment modality. The nasal cavity and mouth contain structuresthat are often reservoirs or entry areas for viral or other pathogenicmicrobes. There has been a need for a method of decreasing viral load inreservoir areas to reduce acquisition or transmission of pathogens whilealso potentially reducing severity of disease. Moreover, there has beenan unmet need for a type of face mask, respirator or enclosed faceshield that can self-sterilize to reduce the volume of disposablepersonal protective equipment needed by health care professionals ormembers of the public during a pandemic as well as to potentiallyincrease access of regular antimicrobial respirator masks to members ofthe public who would gain greater protection against exposure to airborne and aerosolized infectious pathogens, compared to cloth masks,particularly during times of pandemic.

Furthermore, many wearers of face masks complain of a sense ofclaustrophobia from the limited air space of respirator type masks,resulting in constant manipulation and touching which reduces itsutility as a barrier, and increases contamination risk. For these peoplean enclosed face mask or shield with a larger respiratory chamber mayoffer more comfortable use, making it more likely to provide protectionfrom acquisition or transmission of disease.

Members of the public and particularly patients can feel anxiety by theappearance of many respirator type masks and head gear. PAPR machinesare large and bulky, and sometimes the blowers are noisy. A need existsfor less threatening appearing, effective pathogen protection.Furthermore, the ability to see a person's face and positively identifythem is advantageous and necessary for proper medical care ofindividuals, in banking situations or various other forms of commercewhere this may be necessary, or social settings where a person's visageis comforting and socially advantageous but the need for protectionagainst respiratory acquisition or transmission remains.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in one aspect provides a face mask, respirator,open or enclosed face shield comprising one, several or arrays of lightsources such as Light Emitting Diodes (LED's), manufactured orattenuated to emit wavelengths in the far UV-C range (currently definedas 207-222 nm), and to avoid ozone production on the inside/facial sideof the mask, in order to create a germicidal breathing chamber insidethe nose and mouth cup of the mask or shield and reduce or effectivelyeliminate the inhalation of pathogens by the wearer that can occur ifambient air escapes into the mask, including viral particles andbacteria, and also effectively reduces the transmission of pathogensfrom an infected wearer. The mask may be fitted near the nasal area withLED's manufactured or attenuated, to be non ozone producing far UV-Cemitting light from LED's or other light sources, or with moveable orattachable “wands” or an internal built in or attachable far UV-Cemitting lighted ring that can be directed toward the nasal passages andoropharynx for the purpose of reducing or eliminating viral or otherpathogen burden on the user's skin, oropharyngeal or nasal passages andmay include a detachable far UV-C emitting wand or stylus which can bedirected toward pathogen reservoir or ocular areas Alternatively, lenseson the light source can direct the far UV-C light beams toward the nasaland oral cavity as well. The self-sterilizing germicidal properties offar UV-C light allows the user to re-use their mask, respirator or faceshield without risk of acquisition or transmission of infection even ifworn in the presence of people who are infected. The addition of the farUV-C light can turn any current disposable mask, respirator or faceshield into re-useable PPE alleviating the current shortage.Furthermore, the malleable nose ring containing far UV-C light can bebuilt in or made as an “add on” malleable nose attachment to be used inor with any mask, respirator, shield or directly attachable to thenares.

The present invention in another aspect provides an enclosed face shieldcomprising one or several or an array of light sources such as LED'smanufactured or attenuated to emit non ozone producing, far UV-C light(range 207-222 nm) on the inside facial side of the mask, in order tocreate an anti-microbial respiratory chamber inside the face shield toreduce or effectively eliminate the inhalation and acquisition ofpathogens by the wearer, including viral particles and bacteria, whilealso effectively reducing the transmission of pathogens duringexhalation from the wearer. The enclosed face shield may be configuredwith a continuous occlusive fit closely along the forehead, temples,lateral cheeks, jawline and at or beneath the chin of the wearer, andmay include a sectioned lower chamber with a removable/replaceablemid-section of the shield around the nose and mouth, with replaceablesections each of which may provide a variety of accessory functions suchas a cough-sneeze guard; a rhinorrhea rolling absorbent anti-microbialpad; a resiliently deformable aperture or one way valve to allowadmission of a straw or tube for liquid consumption; or a largerdeformable self-sealing or mechanically sealing aperture for oralmedications or eating; or a Radio-Frequency (RF) wireless communicationmicrophone/auditory amplifier configured in such a way to provideprivacy between close communicants, and to allow answering land linephone calls, with variable volume control for addressing even largeaudiences or classrooms in order to achieve improved communication whilemaintaining anti-microbial protection. The RF technology can beconfigured to allow cellular network communications, obviating the needto remove protective gear while answering cell phones or participatingin large group communication.

All far UV-C embodiments in this invention provide an unexpected resultover the prior art in that the related art tries to avoid directdamaging UV-C exposure to the skin or eyes, since broad spectrum UV-Clight has known DNA toxicity, and is known to be carcinogenic whentargeted to skin and damaging to eyes. However, far UV-C light(currently defined as 207-222 nm) is not harmful to human skin, as itdoes not penetrate the outer most layer of skin or even tears in thehuman eye. This invention therefore improves over the prior related artin that it not only purifies inhaled air, it is engineered in a way toreduce viral or other target pathogen burden in exhaled air in aninfected user and can be used to reduce pathogens in the user's likelypathogen reservoirs, the nose and throat or oropharynx, and ocular areasvia exposure to far UV-C light (currently defined as 207-222 nm) atvarious effective dosing. The invention further engenders the novelresult that emitting far UV-C light, rather than broad spectrum UV-Clight, has unique beneficial effects of safely reducing pathogens on theskin or other tissues, due to the properties of the specific range ofwavelengths when utilized in this unique design and configuration forpersonal protective wear. The known properties of light support theadvantage of close proximity of the far UV-C light source such as LED'sto target areas, allowing more accurate and consistent dosing comparedto previously suggested ambient treatment modalities. For example, beingclose to the target allows for a low power far UV-C light source such asan LED which in turn, can be made to avoid ozone production which canresult from photolysis of oxygen from far UV-C wavelengths at higherpower.

The present invention provides a respiratory face mask or enclosedrespiratory chamber face shield that can also self-sterilize internaland external surfaces for reusability and enhanced ability to avoidcross contamination, reduce pathogens on the skin and inside the noseand mouth or around ocular areas by targeting far UV-C light (inside themask or shield), also creating a disinfecting chamber for inhaled orexhaled air. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, therespirator, face mask or enclosed face shield comprises a facial surfaceand an exterior surface, one or more or an array of light sourcesmanufactured or attenuated to emit far UV-C wavelengths disposed on thefacial surface of the face mask or enclosed face shield, and a batterypowered switch disposed on the external surface of the face mask or faceshield, wherein activation of the switch activates the one or more or anarray of light sources manufactured or appropriately attenuated to avoidozone and emit light in the far UV-C range in continuous or pulsatilemodes. In other embodiments, the face mask may further comprise amalleable ring with two lighted wands, in which far UV-C emitting lightsources on the wand or ring may be directed as desired to the nasalpassages or oropharynx of the wearer. Specific lenses can also be usedto direct stationary light sources if the far UV-C emitting light sourceis built into the mask, respirator, or face shield. Additionally, byproviding far UV-C light from a source such as diodes directed on theexternal or internal surface of the mask or shield, such lighting cansterilize both external and internal surfaces of the mask or shield forrepeat use. In other embodiments, an enclosed face shield includes farUV-C, non ozone producing light from any appropriately attenuated lightsource such as LEDs, to sterilize the air and larger breathing chamberof the enclosed respirator shield. The face mask, respirator, or faceshield may be made self-disinfecting through the use of a plurality offar UV-C lights on the external and internal surfaces of the mask orshield. However, in a preferred embodiment the shield or mask may bemade of clear constituents allowing light on the interior or exterior toirradiate both sides of the mask and sterilize their surfaces. Theenclosed face shield may contain moveable or detachable wands or stylusto direct light into reservoir areas of the nose and oropharynx, as wellas toward ocular regions, alternatively lenses can be used to directlight to target areas. Exposure of the wearer to far UV-C light may becontinuous or pulsed with power and dosing adjusted to achieve optimalgermicidal efficacy for a specific pathogen.

The invention further relates to a method of administering far UV-Clight to the skin, nasal passages, and inside the oropharynx or aroundthe ocular area to reduce the risk of contracting infection if pathogensare introduced, as well as reduce the burden of pathogens in an alreadyinfected person thereby possibly reducing both the severity of diseaseand spread of infection.

Another advantage of this invention is the ability to self-sterilize aface mask, respirator or face shield/enclosed face shield forreusability in order to prevent shortages of personal protectiveequipment for healthcare providers and first responders, or improveaccess to infection protection to members of the general public and toobviate the need to change or handle contaminated gear. The enclosedface shield may be entirely constructed of clear materials to allowlight to permeate both sides of the device for decontamination. Thepresence of external light sources manufactured or attenuated to emitfar UV-C light or a stylus containing them allows the user to target theexternal light to any target in their path (e.g., a countertop, doorknob, hands). The enclosed face shield offers multiple advantages overcurrent masks and respirators, with an overall larger more securerespiratory chamber with 2 factor respiratory decontamination, and alsowith a removable/replaceable lower section with varied accessories forpermitting the wearer to have a sneeze or rhinorrhea guard, to consumeliquids, a method to allow users to target far UV-C light on food ordrink before it is ingested, and to consume food or oralmedication—without removal of the personal protective apparatus, also amodality for improved communication in the presence of a respiratorybarrier that can also create a communication barrier. In a hospitalsetting the face shield may also have an air tight opening for passageof an endotracheal tube or suction apparatus, to allow access to therespiratory tract while minimizing exposure to hospital personnel. Theface shield without enclosure attributes can also be used with aconventional N95 mask or other filtration masks with the added safety offar UV-C light for germicidal air purification; or as an enclosed,respiratory chamber face shield with an anti-microbial filtrationsystem, which would provide any wearer, in effect, an ambulatoryisolation room for their head.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that it provides atherapeutic option via the ability to direct far UV-C light topicallyinto the nose and oropharynx or around the ocular areas, to eradicateviral and other pathogens directly in their reservoirs or where theyfind entry into the human body, while a wearer may be infected,asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic and ambulatory and moving aboutsocially. Decreasing the viral load in anatomic reservoirs has beencorrelated with reduced transmission of disease and disease severity,while increasing the rate of recovery of infected patients.

The mechanism of the removeable section in the front of the enclosedface shield, may include mechanical attachments, or the use of rareearth magnets, which can also act as a viral attractant during interchanging of the sections. Attracted virus or other pathogens can then bedeactivated by the far UV-C lights. Further attributes of theattachments or face shield materials may include embedded particles suchas copper, for added anti-microbial protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, willbe apparent from the following, more particular description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings,wherein like numerals depict like parts, and wherein:

FIG. 1-2 are outer and inner views of face mask according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a face mask of FIGS. 1 and 2, and showing anylight source manufactured or attenuated to emit non ozone producing, farUV-C light waves on the facial side of the mask according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of an enclosed face shield inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of a face shield in accordance withanother embodiment of our invention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of still other embodiments of ourinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages maybe understood by referring to the drawing figures. Further features andadvantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation ofvarious embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below.Although the invention is described in the context of a face mask,respirator or face shield, the inventive techniques described herein canbe implemented as any face mask, respirator, face shield, or enclosedface shield including surgical masks or cloth masks. The efficacy of theapplication of far UV-C light in an open face shield would not providethe two factor protection of a filtered and enclosed face shield.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

As used herein “far UV-C light” means UV light waves identified to notpenetrate the skin or eyes of a person exposed to it and non toxic forhuman exposure in certain doses having a wavelength currently identifiedin the range of 207-222 nm.

Moreover, the described features, structures, or characteristics of theinvention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications and variations can be made to the presentinvention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modificationsand variations of this invention provided they come within the scope ofthe appended claims and their equivalents. Reference will now be made indetail to the preferred embodiments of the invention.

The present invention provides a face mask, respirator or faceshield/enclosed face shield creating a respiratory chamber fitted withvarious embodiments of light sources manufactured or attenuated to emitfar UV-C wavelengths that can self-sterilize and reduce or safelyeliminate microbes including viruses, algae, fungi, molds, yeasts, orother pathogens in the air, on the skin and inside the nose and mouth ofthe wearer by targeting far UV-C light directly to the respiratorychamber, skin, nasal passages, oropharynx and ocular area. In one aspecta respiratory face mask or face shield comprises an interior surface andan exterior surface; one or more light sources manufactured orattenuated to emit far UV-C light into the interior of the face mask orface shield; optionally one or more light sources configured to directfar UV-C light onto the exterior surface of the face mask or face shieldand a switch preferably disposed on the external surface of the facemask or face shield. Activation of the switch activates the one or morefar UV-C light sources. The invention further relates to a method ofadministering far UV-C light to the air and surface of the respiratorychamber, skin, nasal passages, and inside the mouth or toward the oculararea to reduce the level of pathogens in order to reduce acquisition ortransmission of infection, and optionally onto the interior and exteriorsurfaces of a face mask or open or enclosed face shield to sterilizethese surfaces for continued use.

Light waves are affected by ambient altitude, therefore, an altitudesensor may be used to make filter adjustments to insure that the rangeof wavelengths in the mask, and respirator or shield remain in the farUV-C range.

Combining far UV-C light technology with an open or enclosed face shieldor any face mask or respirator allows a greater degree of anti-microbialprotection than any of the masks, respirators or face shields currentlyavailable and helps to overcome some of the limitations of this PPE byproviding an additional mechanism for germicidal protection.Furthermore, intermittent targeted far UV-C inside masks, respirators orface shields may aid in reducing viral burden in reservoirs when theyoccur. In the case of a clear face shield type respiratory chamber,maintaining a more social appearance for the user with improvedbreathing comfort may encourage their use in social settings outside thehospital or clinic. A clear face shield or respirator or mask allows farUV-C light to penetrate both sides to self sterilize against aparticular pathogen making the device reusable. A more social appearanceencourages the public to take measures that reduce their risk forcontracting illness, or transmission of symptomatic or asymptomaticdisease. Face shield accessories including improved communication, food,liquid or medication consumption, or ability to cough or address a runnynose while maintaining personal and ambient protection from respiratorycontamination, provide previously unavailable functionality in PPE thatare advantageous to healthcare personnel as well as the public at large.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a respiratory face mask 100 with a push button onthe external side of the mask according to an embodiment of theinvention. The respirator 100 comprises power source including a batteryand circuit within a module 110 including light sources manufactured orattenuated to emit far UV-C light, and having an on-off switch (sealedpush button switch) 111 on the external surface of the mask and flexiblebands 120 that wrap around the back of the head to secure the face maskto the user. Module 110 may have a single or variable power modulator toallow a range of low dosing, for example but not limited to, 0.8-2.0mJ/cm² from the far UV-C light source such as LEDs which can destroyinfluenza, or at ˜3 mJ/cm²/hr which has been determined to inactivateSARS-COv2 within minutes. Other virus, or target pathogens will requirespecific dosing adjustments. In a preferred embodiment, the far UV-Clight waves in the mask may be transmitted through an LED or other lightsource within a u-shaped ring or similar malleable attachment 126 withtwo or more detachable far UV-C diode or similar wands or stylus 128,allowing the directional use of the far UV-C light to direct beamsdirectly into nasal or oropharyngeal passages where the viral or otherpathogenic particle reservoirs reside. The u-shaped or other shaped farUV-C emitting ring can be built in, or attached by a clip to apre-existing mask or respirator or directly to the nares. The face mask,respirator or face shield also includes one or a plurality of lightsources manufactured or attenuated to emit far UV-C light 124 onto thefacial and internal/external surfaces of the face mask or respirator,alternatively lenses may be used to direct the light into nasal ororo-pharyngeal passages. During use, the wearer also may periodicallyopen their mouth while far UV-C light is being transmitted to reduceviral load and kill pathogens if present, or as prophylaxis againstasymptomatic infection. The mask may further be self-sterilizing, byproviding one or a plurality of light sources emitting far UV-C light128 configured to direct far UV-C light onto an exterior 130 of the facemask in order to sterilize all surfaces of the mask. The mask mayfurther comprise a skirt 132 around the edges and a nose clip 134 toform fit to the user's face.

FIG. 3 is a side a view of the face mask 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and showsan example of the far UV-C light beams 140 paths.

Multispectral sensors can be used in the face shield to adjustwavelengths according to skin pigment and altitude variations to insurethey are the desired far UV-C wavelength.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is illustrated a face shield 400 inaccordance with another embodiment the present invention. Face shield400 comprises curved brow section 402 configured to substantiallyconform with a wearer's forehead, and a lower face section 404configured to cover the nose and mouth of the wearer. In order toincrease comfort to the wearer, the brow section 402 and the lower facesection 404 are padded with a soft deformable occlusive padding 406allowing a shelf to hold the face shield a specified distance away fromthe face and skin in order to create a respiratory chamber, and to allowadequate space for ventilatory apertures, and air filtration. A pair ofadjustable head straps, or other apparatus 408, 410 are provided forholding the face shield 400 to the head of the wearer. Alternatively,the face shield 400 may be configured to be attached to a helmet, cap orhat or other head covering or secured by clear head bands or headharness or bands like the stems of reading or safety glasses.

Face shield 400 is formed of a transparent plastic or other transparentmaterial, and includes a battery powered module 412 similar to module110 discussed above, powering one or more far UV-C light sourcesdirected into the interior, and optionally onto the exterior of the faceshield. In a preferred embodiment light sources 420 (see FIG. 6) aremounted adjacent the top of the head shield, and directed downwardly toflood the interior of the face shield with far UV-C light. Variouslenses may also be used to direct or focus light toward desired targets.Furthermore, air inlet fenestrations surrounding the face shield may befurther enhanced with HEPA or other anti microbial type filtrationattachments or with activated charcoal filters. A one-way exhaust valve424 on the shield will be situated below the mouth, in front of thechin, to aid in removal of exhaled CO2.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 6-8 in certain preferred embodiments,the face shield is enclosed and includes a detachable andremovable/exchangeable section 440 which optionally may contain variousaccessories such as a manipulatable sneeze/cough guard, or rhinorrheaabsorbent tissue role. Referring in particular to FIGS. 7 and 8, theremovable/changeable section 440 may contain a one-way valve or othertype of air tight drinking port 442 allowing insertion of a straw orother apparatus for liquid consumption, or insertion of a feeding tubefor liquid nutrition while maintaining the safety of the respiratorychamber, and without need to remove the remaining personal protectiveelements. Removable section 440 may be mechanicallyattachable/detachable using, for example, fittings 450, or in apreferred embodiment, may be magnetically attachable to the face shieldpreferably using rare earth magnets 460 (see FIG. 9) and/or snap on typeclips. Employing magnets has an advantage in that the magnetic fieldalso may attract certain viruses which are polar. Also, radiant far UV-Clight beams 462 may be aimed along the attachment seam and/or towardsthe nasal and/or oropharyngeal areas of the wearer. Additionally, aresiliently deformable self sealing port 464 may be provided to permitflow of pressurized air or oxygen into the face shield to enhanceinspired oxygen content for the wearer if this is deemed necessary.Furthermore, optional slightly pressurized air in the respiratorychamber can provide a barrier to air entry when opening an aperture forfood or medication.

Further, an array of light sources 480 manufactured or attenuated toemit far UV-C light may be located around the removable lower sectionfor activation when the lower section is removed and exposure toexternal unfiltered air occurs. Again, slightly pressurized air duringremoval or exchange can limit the entry of unfiltered air.

Also, if desired, a microphone/amplification/cell phone communicationmodule 485 may be provided, along with auditory and amplificationdevices for close or distant communication, or to permit the wearer tolisten to music, etc.

The face shield may include a removable stylus 490 which emits far UV-Clight which may be attachable to the exterior of the shield usingmagnetic or clip attachments.

The face shield may also contain a mechanical attachment such as abayonet fixture that can be used with other commercially availablerespirator filters.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments forthe purposes of illustration only, and various changes may be madewithout departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, the device may include LED lenses to focus light beams from thefar UV-C light sources onto the nasal and/or oropharyngeal areas of thewearer. Also, a far UV-C LED light source may be attached to a stylusand configured to be aimed at specific therapeutic or potentiallycontaminated targets of the wearer. Or the far UV-C light source mayhave an optional multi spectral sensor to identify skin pigmentvariation and atmospheric attenuation to automatically modulateappropriate dosing adjustments between 0.1-3.0 mJ/cm² or higher or lowerdepending on target pathogens and atmospheric conditions. Also, the faceshield may include a removeable/exchangeable nose and mouth section toextend from the nasal area to below the mouth of the wearer, preferablyremovable using magnetic attachments (such as rare earth magnets) toaccommodate optional accessories for variable functionality orenvironmental or therapeutic requirements. The mask or face shield alsomay include peripheral air fenestrations covered by HEPA or similar orother anti-microbial or decontaminant air filters to provide a twofactor method of respiratory protection, especially when used in anenclosed face shield engineered with various features to offer theadvantages of a clear visage of the wearer, improved communication,liquid or food consumption while improving respiratory protection ofhealthcare workers or various groups of the public such as teachers, orthe general public during pandemic or other times. The mask or faceshield also may include an airtight opening or aperture to allow passageof an endotracheal tube or other suctioning equipment. And, the faceshield removeable section may include a mechanism for a cough/sneezeguard having, for example, an absorbable paddle, using a rockingmechanism which may be electrical or manual to move forward andbackward. Or the removable section may contain a mechanism forrhinorrhea/nasal secretions absorption, for example, using a doubleroller for change of absorbable anti microbial material (cloth orpaper), which mechanism can be externally controlled as needed. Or theface shield removable section may contain a one way valve or air tightdrinking port to admit a straw, feeding tube or other similar apparatus.Or the removable section may contain an aperture for food or medicationconsumption. Or the removable section may contain a microphone,amplifier or other communication apparatus. The face shield removablesection also may contain one or more bayonet style connectors forattachment of a variety of commercially available external devices suchas long-lasting filtration devices. Also, if desired, the face shieldmay include ventilation ports along the top and sides of the faceshield, which ventilator ports may include various types ofanti-microbial air filters (e.g., HEPA, activated charcoal), and/or aone way expiratory exhaust valve. And, the face shield may include adetachable section in the region of the nose and mouth exchangeable forvarious accessories, such attachment may be mechanically attached usingwater tight rubberized or plastic or other material to create occlusiveconnections and clips, or via magnetic attachments that may double as aviral attractant; such an attractant can be treated with anti-viralnanoparticles to de-activate any virus or sensitive pathogen or providea target for far UV-C emitted light deactivation. Therefore, theinvention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to thespecific embodiments disclosed herein, but also to include the scope ofthe following claims and commensurate with these or similar types ofaccessories or attachments or embodiments:

1. A face mask, respirator, open or enclosed face shield deviceproviding a respiratory chamber having an interior surface and anexterior surface; and one or more or an array of built in or attachableor detachable light sources manufactured or attenuated to avoid ozoneproduction and emit only germicidal far UV-C wavelengths, configured todirect safe, topical application of far UV-C light, directly into theinterior of the face mask, respirator or face shield/respiratory chamberand optionally the exterior of the surface of these devices for air andsurface sterilization of respiratory pathogens such as COVID-19.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1 where peripheral air fenestrations are covered by HEPAor similar or other anti-microbial or decontaminant air filters toprovide a two factor method of respiratory protection.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more light sources, including the full rangeof UV-C light manufactured or attenuated to emit only far UV-C light,are attachable-detachable to the face mask, respirator or face shield,and/or comprise a u-shaped or other shaped or malleable ring with farUV-C lighted wands or a stylus configured to be directed within theinterior of the face mask, respirator or face shield, or are attachableto one of both nares of a wearer to provide anti microbial andgermicidal sterilization of the respiratory chamber or inhaled/exhaledair or for irradiation of the nasal or oropharyngeal or other pathogenreservoirs to reduce viral or other pathogen burden combattingacquisition or transmission of respiratory pathogens or to treatinfection of the wearer by said virus or pathogen.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising one or more light sources, including thefull range of UV-C light, manufactured or attenuated to emit only farUV-C light configured to direct such light directly into the interiorrespiratory chamber, and optionally on to the exterior of the face mask,respirator or enclosed face shield for respiratory chamber sterilizationand device self sterilization producing re-useable PPE.
 5. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the device comprises an attachable face air filtrationbarrier, cloth or paper, or is an N95 or higher respirator or surgicalmask.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising skirt or padding orsoft shelf of malleable material disposed in part around an internalperiphery of the device to enlarge the respiratory chamber, and whereinthe device comprises an open face shield or respirator, the padding or askirt creates a shelf disposed around the periphery of an open faceshield or respirator, to create an enclosed respiratory chamberocclusive to the wearer's skin.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein thedevice comprises an enclosed face shield which contains filtered airfenestrations along the periphery of the forehead or cheek shelf orskirt, using HEPA or similar anti-microbial or decontaminant filterrespiratory protection, and wherein enclosed face shield or respiratorpreferably contains an exhaust check valve for expired air and CO₂. 8.The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more lenses configuredto focus light beams from the light source manufactured or attenuated toemit far UV-C light directly into nasal and/or oropharyngeal or ocularareas of the wearer to reduce pathogen burden, reducing acquisition andtransmission of pathogens and treat infectious disease.
 9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein a light source such as an LED is manufactured orattenuated to produce far UV-C light attached to a stylus which isdetachable on the exterior and configured to be aimed at specifictherapeutic or potentially contaminated targets of the wearer such asthe nasal and or oropharyngeal or ocular areas of the wearer, or ambientareas of contamination such as a door knob to reduce pathogens onvarious targets to reduce risk of acquisition or transmission ofdisease, and/or. wherein the light source is manufactured orappropriately attenuated to emit far UV-C light and has an optionalmulti spectral sensor to identify skin pigment variation and atmosphericattenuation to automatically modulate appropriate dosing adjustmentsbetween 0.1-3.0 mJ/cm² or higher or lower depending on target pathogensand atmospheric conditions.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the faceshield includes a removeable/exchangeable nose and mouth sectionextending from the nasal area to below the mouth of the wearer, and/orwherein a lower portion or section of the face shield preferably isremovable using magnetic attachment such as rare earth magnets or usingmechanical attachments, occlusive materials and or clips for an airtight seal
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the face mask, respiratoror enclosed face shield has a one-way valve or resiliently deformableair tight port configured for passage of hydrational or nutritionalliquid, via a straw, feeding tube or similar apparatus while maintaininganti-microbial respiratory protection of the wearer, without removal ofPPE, and wherein the face mask, respirator or enclosed face shield has amanual or electronically activated opening for consumption of food ormedication, where directional light sources manufactured orappropriately attenuated to emit far UV-C light are configured toilluminate and sterilize oral content and/or re-sterilize therespiratory chamber after the opening closes.
 12. The device of claim 1,wherein the device comprises a face shield which includes acommunications module preferably incorporating one or more of thefollowing: microphone, speaker, open or closed circuit communicationsfor public or private conversation, cell phone communications, or listento music or other audio broadcasts improving communication whilecontinuously maintaining the two factor antimicrobial respiratoryprotection.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises aface shield which includes a replaceable lower mic section containing anairtight opening or aperture to allow passage or egress of anendotracheal or suction tube or other apparatus to help isolaterespiratory pathogens within the shield and prevent exposure ofhealthcare workers during far UV-C treatment, or other treatment ofinfected patients.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the devicecomprises a face shield which includes a replaceable section containinga cough/sneeze guard, wherein cough/sneeze guard preferably containsmaterial for rhinorrhea/nasal secretions absorption.
 15. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the device comprises a face shield which includes a oneor more mechanical connections, preferably bayonet style connectors forattachment of other commercially available filters or devices, and/orwherein the face shield includes ventilation ports which optionally mayinclude various types of air filters such as HEPA and activated charcoalfilters, and further a one-way expiratory exhaust check valve.
 16. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a respirator whichincludes far UV-C germicidal irradiation to sterilize respiratorychamber thereby sterilizing respiratory exhaust before exiting the checkvalve, preventing release of infectious pathogens which occurs withnormal check valves inside current respirators.
 17. A method of reducingair transmission of viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens comprisingthe steps of: providing a face mask, respirator, open or enclosed faceshield device containing one or more light sources, for exampleincandescent and LED, which includes all UV wavelengths, but can be anywavelength manufactured or appropriately attenuated to emit only farUV-C light, non-ozone producing, having a wavelength currently definedas 207-222 nm; placing the face mask, respirator, open face shield orenclosed face shield device on the head of a person to provide barrierprotection to respiratory pathogens, activating the one or more lightsources manufactured or appropriately attenuated to generate far UV-Cantimicrobial light, and exposing the germicidal irradiance into the airand interior surface of the respiratory chamber, or onto skin, nasalpassages, and/or oropharynx and ocular areas of potential viral or otherpathogen entry of the wearer and optionally an exterior of the face maskor enclosed face shield to said far UV-C antimicrobial light.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising provision of a HEPA or otherfilter to exclude microbes from entering the respiratory chamber. 19.The method of claim 17, wherein the LEDs are manufactured orappropriately attenuated to emit only far UV-C light directed to targettreatment areas within and optionally external to the mask, respiratoror face shield/enclosed face shield.
 20. The method of claim 17, whereinthe light sources comprise a detachable stylus or wand or malleable ringor attachable nose ring which contains a light source manufactured orattenuated to emit only far UV-C wavelength which can be used to targetviral or other pathogen reservoirs in nose or oropharynx of the weareror external sites.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the light sourcesare manufactured or attenuated to emit only far UV-C light, focused by alens to target areas within and optionally without or attached to thedevice.
 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the device comprises faceshield which includes a frontal respiratory chamber having a detachablemiddle section configured to be mechanically attached using water tightrubberized, plastic or other material to achieve occlusive connectionsand clips, or magnetic attachments configured to double as a viralattractant.
 23. The method of claim 17, wherein the device has anexchangeable section containing an airtight valve or port for permittingthe wearer to consume liquids, and wherein the exchangeable sectionpreferably contains a self sealing aperture or opening for permittingconsumption of medication or food.
 24. The method of claim 17, whereinthe device comprises a face shield having a replaceable section thatincludes a sneeze/cough guard comprising an absorbent materialconfigured to absorb bodily fluids produced during cough or sneeze ofthe wearer, and wherein the absorbent material preferably comprisesanti-microbial material.
 25. The method of claim 17, wherein the devicehas replaceable section which contains a communication system.
 26. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the device has an exchangeable sectioncontaining a port to accommodate an endotracheal tube or suctionapparatus while maintaining an anti-microbial enclosure to reduce therisk of pathogen transmission to health care personnel.